Wasserman Schultz picked for key post

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz has been tapped for the influential House appropriations committee, one of the most powerful committees in Congress, responsible for writing the federal budget.

Incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the Weston Democrat has "already proven herself to be a leader in the Democratic caucus, highly-respected by all our colleagues for her keen intellect and political savvy."

The decision by the Democratic steering and policy committee must still be ratified by the full House Democratic caucus, but Wasserman Schultz said she looks forward to working with Pelosi and committee chairman Rep. David Obey "as we pursue earmark reform and bring broader transparency to the appropriations process."